Updated: June 17, 2026
Semyon Skrepetsky was a Russian cartoonist and opponent of the Putin regime. He was living in exile when he was shot dead in broad daylight in Biała Podlaska, eastern Poland. Authorities are investigating a targeted attack.
His killing is a stark reminder that political art and cartooning are acts of courage — and that it can be a deadly job. Because one thing autocrats fear most is ridicule.
Credit: Facebook
Timeline and updates
Jun 17
2026
2026
Two Belarusian nationals detained in Poland as part of the investigation into Monday’s assassination of Russian artist and Kremlin critic Semyon Skrepetsky have been released.
Jun 15
2026
2026
Skrepetski was shot dead in the street on Monday 15 June in Biała Podlaska in eastern Poland, near the border with Belarus.
2020
Russian artist and cartoonist Semyon Skrepetsky, also known as Simon Skrepetski, exiled himself to Poland following life threats and the impossibility to pursue his activities in Russia.
Cartoons
